Sweat the Small Stuff

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Consistency, so important to the SparkPeople System, is something our society often overlooks. People are so focused on wanting things now that they aren't willing to spend the time consistently doing small things over time. This attitude results in loads of stress and lost opportunities.

Here's how you can reap the benefits of consistently doing small things:

Taking fruits and vegetables to work (packs of raisins, an apple, or a bag of carrots)

Giving yourself small breaks throughout the day to relax or meditate

Working on a new skill for a certain amount of time each week

Next, set specific goals based on these, then write down the goals and track them. MySpark is one great way to track your goals. Doing these small goals consistently will build a good foundation - a springboard for future success.

Once you do these steps, consistently setting and achieving goals becomes an upward cycle. As you gain momentum, you will want to continue achieving new goals. One thing to watch out for is losing focus on the goals that built your springboard, which can cause the whole thing to fall apart. Those goals should become good habits.
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Member Comments

In college, my fiancÚ told me not to be discouraged when he beat me at tennis. He said I couldn't beat him. He had been a star in high school, but I was very determined. Though recruited for our university team I didn't want to travel so much and miss classes. I did play intramural against both men and women including the men's actual traveling team. I started winning pretty consistently and even began beating my fiancÚ now and then. What a feeling of accomplishment. I had to give up tennis many years ago due to issues with multiple sclerosis. But, I'm still pretty determined in whatever I can do. Thanks for your wonderful example!
- 5/18/2014 2:50:10 PM

I needed this today, and I'm happy I found this article. I love how this article says-Consistently building new habits can lead to personal breakthoughs that wouldn't have otherwise happened. Since I have been doing this good things will happen. Believe In Yourself!
- 7/31/2013 3:46:51 PM

so funny that i found this article. oh yesterday my husband was just saying in bible study that it's the small things you do that can add up to big change. He wasn't talking about weight loss, but I made it to apply to me. I'm going to remember this daily.
- 9/7/2012 5:05:33 PM

I really needed to read this today!! I have been consistent but I have been feeling like my consistency isn't going to pay off! I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and I know I will make it to my goal!
- 6/26/2012 10:41:34 AM

Until today I lacked consistency. Today is the day that will change. I vow from this moment forward to be consistent. I am a work in progress, but consistency and persistence will mold and shape me.
- 5/7/2012 5:37:33 PM

Consistency is something I struggle with constantly. I've even joked about adding a "Diet of the Week" sign to my desk. Thanks for the reminder that the small things add up and help build good long-lasting habits.
- 8/10/2011 3:33:30 PM

Couldn't agree more. Consistency for me = routine. I usually do very well on working days. Get up early, 45 mins exercise, get things ready, breakfast, leave home for work. As soon as it hits weekends and I am out of my work days routine, boom! I struggled. I need to start developing the routine for weekends.
- 8/8/2011 12:04:55 AM

This is exactly what I'm working on and so far it's working. By far the best approach I've taken to being/becoming consistant with anything and I have to say breaking everything into small chunks is really working for me. I had to remind myself several times not to have an "all or nothing" mentality.
- 8/7/2011 7:42:51 PM

Of all of the awards that I can earn through Spark each month, the consistency award is the most important one to me. Even if I am plateaued or fighting to lose or barely holding on by my fingernails, getting that Consistency Award tells me that I AM going to achieve my goals.
- 8/7/2011 5:40:19 PM

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